The following is a short
story of how I came to the Alexander Technique and how it
has benefited me. It begins with a diagnosis for chronic
pain, and explains how treatment led me to embrace the
Alexander Technique.

At age 27, I was diagnosed
with Fibromyalgia, a chronic disorder characterized by
muscle pain and fatigue. My treatment began with
Biofeedback therapy. This therapy uses electrode sensors
placed on the body to monitor muscle activity. This
information is sent to a computer where a visual picture
is displayed, providing the patient with feedback. The
goal is to learn to locate and minimize unnecessary
muscle tension.

Biofeedback taught me
three things. I learned from the electrodes that a simple
thought, such as thinking about raising a finger, created
muscle activity. I learned from the therapist that the
neck muscles store a lot of tension. And I learned from
the total experience that it was the smallest muscle
movements that needed the most scrutiny, for example,
closing your hand without tensing other muscles. It was
this experience that would prepare me to recognize the
significance of the Alexander Technique. Biofeedback
taught me how my body should work, but the Alexander
Technique revealed how it could be accomplished.

I first heard of the
Alexander Technique almost 10 years ago, but it was a
more recent exposure that invited me to find out what it
was. One of my colleagues was saying that she took care
of a lady during the last years of her life that was
famous for her contributions to the Alexander Technique.
This lady was Marjorie Barstow! After this, I came across
a book at the library about the Technique and opened it
out of curiosity. After reading two books, I knew this
was the defining principle of human movement.

I took private lessons for
almost a year. I have continued my experiences by
attending the Barstow/Alexander Technique Summer
Institutes. I used to think that the Technique was
something to learn, but it is something that you
experience. When I took my first lessons, I wanted
immediate results, but my teacher taught me the enjoyment
of being patient.

The chronic pain and
fatigue of my Fibromyalgia have greatly diminished. As I
move with a better direction of internal forces, my
muscles are returning to a normal consistency and length.
As my muscles lengthen, I notice changes in the position
of my bones. Although I still recognize my image in the
mirror, I do not recognize my shadow.

The technique has become a
skill that now helps me with new situations. Recently, I
received Physical Therapy for a repetitive motion injury
to the upper tendon of my right arm biceps. The therapist
was amazed with my immediate recovery, and attributed it
to my work with the Alexander Technique.

I realize that the quality
of life I have today is because of the realization of one
person, F.M. Alexander. I owe much of my recovery to a
man and his mirror.

***

Mary Albro is
an analytical chemist for a company that makes
pharmaceutical products for livestock and companion
animals. She has used the Alexander Technique to minimize
the symptoms of a chronic muscle disorder and to resolve
ergonomic issues. She uses Yoga as a way to observe the
Alexander Principle in her movements.